Trade Mission Opens Eyes To Possibilities In Panama For Florida Farmers
February 6, 2014 Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam met with leaders of the American Chamber of Commerce in Panama (PANAMCHAM) during his recent trade development mission to Panama. Along with several Florida growers and Miami Port Director Bill Johnson, Commissioner Putnam promoted Florida citrus and berries during their meetings with business groups and retailers.
Adam Putnam
“The economic success of Latin America presents many opportunities for Florida’s $100 billion agriculture industry,” said Commissioner Putnam. “Florida exported more than $168 million in agricultural products to Panama in 2012, making Panama Florida’s fifth largest trading partner for agricultural products. We’re here to build on the recent success by promoting Florida citrus, berries and other products.”
David Carius, president of PANAMCHAM, and Maurice Belanger, executive director of PANAMCHAM, hosted the Florida delegation, which besides Putnam and Johnson, included Dr. Robert Behr, COO of Florida’s Natural Growers; Joel Sellers, international sales manager of Florida’s Natural Growers; and Gary Wishnatzki, owner of Wish Farms. Richard Gaskalla, director of Plant Industry, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), was in attendance as well.
The purposes of the trade development mission to Panama were to: 1) expand Florida growers’ access to Panama, one of the fastest growing markets in Latin America; 2) help Florida capitalize on the opportunities that come with the expansion of the Panama Canal; and 3) evaluate the pilot program Florida launched to prevent invasive pests from entering Florida on shipments of fresh produce through the Panama Canal.
Florida agricultural exports recently surpassed $4 billion per year to more than 160 other countries. Florida’s agricultural exports to Panama have grown 70% in the last two years, up to more than $168 million in agricultural products in 2012. The growth of Florida’s agricultural exports to Panama over the last two years has created 1,800 new jobs for Floridians.
Source: FDACS
Subscribe Today For
